Melvin v Broughton - the big Brum title fight is almost here

Poster for Saturday’s Planet Ice, Solihull, showdown

THE wait is almost over. One of the mostly highly anticipated all-Birmingham Midlands title fight for years is almost upon us.

On Saturday (September 9) Scott Melvin and Mykey Lee Broughton meet for the vacant lightweight crown at Planet Ice, Solihull.

It is a clash of two hot prospects.

Broughton, aged 21 and managed by Anthony Manning, is unbeaten in seven. Blessed with razor-sharp reflexes, he was in action last June, gaining comprehensive six round points victory over Lee Hallett.

Melvin, aged 22 and managed by Jon Pegg, has lost one of eight – and that points defeat hardly constitutes a setback. Last year, he dropped a tight, split decision over three rounds to Dylan Cheema in the televised Boxxer tournament. Cheema went on to win the competition.

Melvin, however, has been out of the ring for almost a year after suffering a back injury.

It is Broughton who enters the lion’s den on a show promoted by Tommy Owens who works closely with Pegg.

It will, therefore, be Melvin who enjoys the greater support.

“I don’t think he’ll like that,” said Scott. “He likes to be the A side. When he’s in that away corner on his own, it will hit him. I love the fact the place will be packed, the more people, the better. The more people I can show what I can do, the better.”

“Terrier” Melvin appears a man straining at the leash.

“The camp’s gone perfect,” he said. “I’m ready to go and know I’ve done everything to the book.

“I can’t wait. This is what I’m in boxing for, big fights. I’m so excited. I don’t really get nerves – I’ve been boxing since I was 10.

“I think people get nervous because they know, deep down, they’re not prepared. I know I’m prepared.”

Of the scheduled 10 rounder, Melvin said: “I expect him to be game. I think he’ll try to be smart and box at his own pace. I’ve got to make sure he has to respond to what I bring.”